Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

WHEEL KNUCKLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

Removal

CAUTION:Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.
1. Remove the brake disc. See - Removal and Replacement.

2. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.





3. Using the Front Hub Remover, separate the outer constant velocity (CV) joint spindle from the wheel hub.

4. Remove the cotter pin and the tie-rod end nut.

- Discard the cotter pin.





5. Using the Tie Rod End Remover, separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.

CAUTION:Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.

CAUTION:Do not damage the tie-rod end boot while installing the special tool.
6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint bolt and nut.

7. Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the sensor aside.

8. Separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

9. Remove the 2 strut-to-knuckle nuts, the bolts and the wheel knuckle.

- Discard the nuts and bolts.

Installation

1. Position the wheel knuckle and install the 2 new strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.

- Tighten to 115 Nm {11.5 kgf-m, 85 ft-lbf}.

2. Position and align the ball joint stud into the wheel knuckle.

3. Install the new lower ball joint bolt and nut.

- Tighten to 63 Nm {6.3 kgf-m, 46 ft-lbf}.

4. Install the wheel speed sensor and the bolt.

- Tighten to 9 Nm {0.9 kgf-m, 80 in-lbf}.

5. Position the tie rod-end into the wheel knuckle and install the new tie-rod end nut and a cotter pin.

- Tighten to 55 Nm {5.5 kgf-m, 41 ft-lbf}.





6. Using a suitable Halfshaft Installer, insert the halfshaft into the wheel hub.

7. Install the brake disc. See - Removal and Replacement.

8. Install the new front wheel hub nut.

- Tighten to 300 Nm {30.0 kgf-m, 221 ft-lbf}.

CAUTION:Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.
NOTE:Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.
9. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. See Camber and Caster Adjustment.